I don't know if I have IBS per se, but I think spastic colon is almost a certainty.

I have another thread where I detailed it better.. but what I get is a lot of "pushing" and "pressing" sensations in the lower abdomen (actually it almost feels like it's in the CENTER of my torso, mid-to-lower abdomen)... sometimes it is painful but usually it's more like a "pressure" sensation. Is this gas pain, or does it sound more like spasms?

Well anyway.. what does spastic colon feel like for the rest of you guys?

Spastic colon to me feels like constant cramps,sometimes results in D or sometimes not. I can get really painful sharp spasms, that make me sweat and feel anxious, they always result in D. I think everybody will explain it differently, because IBS symptoms are so unpredictable and individual. Sometimes Levsin SL helps , sometimes not. I use a heating pad when things get really rocky.

"Spasms" just refers to the fact that the intestines are contracting more than usual, which can cause pain. Like squeezing a tube of toothpaste over and over again instead of just once :) The stomach and intestinal contractions are called "peristalsis" and this is how your food moves through the GI tract, but when it goes overboard, that's when you get diarrhea, pain, etc. Excess gas can feel like pressure or sharp pains. Have you had a work-up for this? Have you tried anything like hyoscyamine, dicyclomine, Gas-X?Co-moderator - IBS Forum

Please always remember to consult your medical professional regarding your medical questions; this forum is intended to provide patient-to-patient support. Although some of us have healthcare backgrounds, we cannot diagnose or treat patients on the board.

Mine is a pain on the right side of my stomach and when I press there it feels like a really hard tube (my appendix is taken out so it isn't that), and I also get constipated. But ya, it is really very different for everyone. Isn't spastic colon just another name for IBS?

Sarita said..."Spasms" just refers to the fact that the intestines are contracting more than usual, which can cause pain. Like squeezing a tube of toothpaste over and over again instead of just once :) The stomach and intestinal contractions are called "peristalsis" and this is how your food moves through the GI tract, but when it goes overboard, that's when you get diarrhea, pain, etc. Excess gas can feel like pressure or sharp pains. Have you had a work-up for this? Have you tried anything like hyoscyamine, dicyclomine, Gas-X?

No, I haven't had a work up yet. I have no health insurance. Foolishly enough I have not yet tried Gas-X or related products. What's the best OTC one to try?

The constipation got to the point where I felt impacted, so I finally went to the doc, paid cold cash for the appt. and also paid cash for a blood work up on the doc's orders. Nothing abnormal showed on the blood test (thyroid normal, etc.) The doc's advice was high fiber cereals, metamucil, and a daily stool softener (docusate calcium.) The docusate calcium once a day + a lot of fibrous cereal = I can get a bowel movement every 3 days, usually. I haven't tried the metamucil because once every 3 days is pretty much the frequency I've always had,anyway.

The worrisome thing for me is the really odd shape of the stools, which has been going on for at least one year now. Flattened, split in two, or even "curved in a U shape." I know it sounds funny, but it's no joke to me. Sometimes there appears to be specks of blood, but this is not always the case. It seems a colonoscopy would be a good idea at this point but I don't have the money.

But still the worst thing about the whole thing is the pressing/pulling/stabbing/pushing sensations in my lower torso, it feels like there's a "block" down there, and it makes me walk funny.

For the digestive problem among others (I have some other bizarre things going on like "head pressure", visual problems, etc.) I just got Nature Made Magnesium supplements today, which is 63% of daily magnesium per pill, taken one time a day. I will be trying Probiotics soon as digestive problems could indicate candida/poor intestinal flora.

Hmm...the shape of your stools doesn't seem particularly concerning, stools take all sorts of shapes depending on what you eat, what supplements you're taking, etc. If they are formed and not too difficult to pass, you're probably okay, although only a doctor could tell you that! The only way to get a sure answer, as you said, is with a colonoscopy. And yes, they are expensive. If you are over a certain age (50) you might be able to get financial assistance for a screening colonoscopy, depending on where you live. You should call your local health department or ask your doctor's office about it...

In the meantime, probiotics are a good idea - anything with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Also push the fibrous foods, the prunes, etc. Simethicone is the active ingredient in Gas-X and is available over the counter in various forms...just read the box to make sure the active ingredient is simethicone.

I hope you can get some help, having no insurance really sucks.Co-moderator - IBS Forum

Please always remember to consult your medical professional regarding your medical questions; this forum is intended to provide patient-to-patient support. Although some of us have healthcare backgrounds, we cannot diagnose or treat patients on the board.

Sarita said...Hmm...the shape of your stools doesn't seem particularly concerning, stools take all sorts of shapes depending on what you eat, what supplements you're taking, etc. If they are formed and not too difficult to pass, you're probably okay, although only a doctor could tell you that! The only way to get a sure answer, as you said, is with a colonoscopy. And yes, they are expensive. If you are over a certain age (50) you might be able to get financial assistance for a screening colonoscopy, depending on where you live. You should call your local health department or ask your doctor's office about it...

In the meantime, probiotics are a good idea - anything with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Also push the fibrous foods, the prunes, etc. Simethicone is the active ingredient in Gas-X and is available over the counter in various forms...just read the box to make sure the active ingredient is simethicone.